5 minute read
Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and Daxxify are all neurotoxin treatments used to relax muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This guide explains how each works, their onset time, duration and key differences to help you understand your options.
If you have been researching wrinkle treatments, you have probably seen names like Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and Daxxify. These are all types of neurotoxins, a category of injectable treatments that temporarily relax facial muscles to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
While these treatments work in similar ways, they have differences in formulation, stabilization methods, onset time and duration. Understanding these differences can help you better understand your treatment options.
If you’re researching what the best option is for you, this article will help you decide.
What Is a Neurotoxin?
In aesthetic medicine, a neurotoxin is a purified protein derived from botulinum toxin type A. When injected in small, controlled amounts, it blocks nerve signals that cause certain facial muscles to contract. This allows the muscles to relax, which softens dynamic wrinkles such as frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet.
Using Neurotoxins can help prevent the formation of wrinkles by limiting the repetitive movements that create some types of wrinkles. It can also soften and reduce the appearance of wrinkles that already exist. This makes it a treatment that offers benefits today as well as in the future.
Botulinum toxin has been used safely in medicine for decades. It was first approved for medical conditions in the late 1980s and later became widely used for cosmetic treatments. Today, millions of treatments are performed every year worldwide.
Because the botulinum toxin protein itself is not stable on its own, each manufacturer must include stabilizing proteins or peptides in the formulation. These stabilizers help preserve the toxin so it remains effective during storage and use.
Although Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and Daxxify all use botulinum toxin type A as the active ingredient, the way each product is formulated and stabilized is slightly different.
The Evolution of Neurotoxin Treatments
For many years Botox was the only widely available cosmetic neurotoxin. Over time additional products were developed, including Dysport, Jeuveau and most recently Daxxify. While all four treatments relax muscles to reduce wrinkles, they tend to differ in:
- onset time
- duration of results
- formulation and stabilizing ingredients
- FDA approved treatment areas
Many patients eventually develop a personal preference depending on how their body responds to each product.
Let’s look at them individually to see how they are alike, how they are different, and what you might expect if you are treated with them.
Botox
Botox was the first neurotoxin widely used for cosmetic treatments and remains one of the most recognized aesthetic injectables. It is a purified neurotoxin protein derived from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum type A, known scientifically as onabotulinumtoxinA.
Botox works by blocking nerve signals that cause muscles to contract. This forces the muscles to relax and stay relaxed. This reduces the creation of wrinkles through repetitive movements, and also softens the appearance of wrinkles that already exist.
Because botulinum toxin is unstable on its own, Botox uses human serum albumin, a protein found in human blood, to stabilize the toxin.
How long does it take Botox to work?
Most patients begin seeing results within 3 to 5 days, with full results appearing around 10 to 14 days.
How long does Botox last?
Results typically last 3 to 4 months, although individual results vary based on individual factors. For some it doesn’t last as long, and for some it lasts a bit longer.
Common Botox treatment areas
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines between the brows
- Crow’s feet
- Lip flip
- Chin dimpling
- Neck bands
Dysport
Dysport is another well established neurotoxin used in aesthetic medicine. Its active ingredient is abobotulinumtoxinA, which consists primarily of the Clostridium botulinum type A toxin haemagglutinin complex. This complex blocks nerve impulses that normally signal muscles to contract.
Like Botox, Dysport uses human serum albumin as a stabilizer. It also contains cow’s milk protein (lactose) as part of the formulation. This is why you are asked if you have a dairy allergy on intake forms.
Dysport tends to diffuse slightly more in the treatment area, which can sometimes make it useful for larger areas such as the forehead.
How long does it take for Dysport to work?
Dysport works quicker than Botox, with many patients noticing results starting in just 2 to 3 days, with full results around 7 to 10 days.
How long does Dysport last?
Most patients experience results lasting 3 to 4 months, although individual results vary based on individual factors. Some people find that Dysport lasts longer for them and Botox. .
Common Dysport treatment areas
- Forehead lines
- Frown lines
- Crow’s feet
- Neck bands
Jeuveau
Jeuveau is one of the newer neurotoxins and was developed specifically for cosmetic use.
Its active ingredient is prabotulinumtoxinA, which is also a form of botulinum toxin type A. Although it shares the same core neurotoxin as Botox, the exact formulation and purification process differ slightly.
Jeuveau is currently FDA approved for the treatment of glabellar lines, which are the vertical frown lines between the eyebrows.
How long does it take Jeuveau to work?
Jeuveau typically starts to kick in within 3 to 5 days, with full results in 7 to 10 days.
How long does Jeuveau last?
Results usually last about 3 to 4 months, though individual responses vary based on how your body processes the treatment. For some people it doesn’t last as long, for others it lasts a bit longer.
Common Jeuveau treatment areas
- Frown lines between the brows
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
- Lip flip
Daxxify
Daxxify is the newest FDA approved neurotoxin currently available for cosmetic treatments.
The active ingredient in Daxxify is botulinum toxin type A, which works the same basic way as other neurotoxins by blocking nerve signals that trigger muscle contraction.
What makes Daxxify unique is its peptide based stabilization technology. Instead of using human or animal derived proteins like albumin, Daxxify uses a proprietary peptide to stabilize the toxin. Because of this, it does not contain human or animal byproducts.
This stabilization method may contribute to its longer lasting effects compared to other neurotoxins.
How long does it take Daxxify to work?
Results typically begin within 2 to 4 days, with full results appearing within about 7 to 10 days.
How long does Daxxify last?
Many patients experience results lasting around 6 months on average, although results vary.
Common Daxxuft treatment areas
- Frown lines between the brows
- Forehead lines
- Crow’s feet
Which Neurotoxin Is Best?
There really isn’t a “best” option, there is just a preferred or “best” option for you. All four neurotoxins work in similar ways by relaxing muscles that cause wrinkles. They all do this effectively and safely, with variations on formulations, best uses, how long they take to kick in and how long they last.
In general, the best option often depends on several factors, including:
- treatment area
- desired longevity of results
- how quickly you want results to appear
- how your body responds to a particular product
So what does it all mean at the end of the day? Many patients try different options over time and develop a personal preference. People notice that one works quicker and lasts longer than others, and that becomes their go-to. Fortunately there is nothing stopping you from trying each, or switching back and forth between these, as you work on finding the best options for you.
We recommend working with your provider to find a neurotoxin that gives you the exact results you’re looking for, balancing cost, treatment length and frequency. If you are in or near Chino, feel free to give us a call with any questions you may have about using Botox, Dysport, Jeuvau, or Dysport
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about neurotoxins.
Do Botox, Dysport, Jeuveau and Daxxify all use neurotoxins?
Yes. All four treatments use botulinum toxin type A, a purified protein that relaxes muscles by blocking nerve signals.
What causes wrinkles that neurotoxins treat?
Neurotoxins treat dynamic wrinkles, which are wrinkles caused by repeated muscle movement. Examples include frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet.
How long do neurotoxin treatments last?
Most neurotoxins last 3 to 4 months, although some last longer, or shorter periods, for some patients. Results vary depending on metabolism, muscle strength and treatment area.
How long does it take to see results?
Results usually begin appearing within 2 to 5 days, with full results typically visible within 7 to 14 days. It depends on the type of neurotoxin.
Are neurotoxin treatments safe?
When administered by a trained and experienced provider, neurotoxin treatments are considered safe and well studied, with decades of clinical use.
Do the formulations differ?
Yes. While the active neurotoxin is similar, each product has a slightly different formulation and stabilization method.
